Malayalam theatre with its richness in culture and tradition can claim an ancient theatrical heritage. Sanskrit Theatre is an integral part of the Indian theatre. It is also influenced by the literary tradition. The Natyashastra describes the various aspects of Sanskrit theatre. Punjabi theatre initially began with a focus on the middle class and their needs and sensibilities. It developed significantly and took on a more professional and technically sound outlook when it came into contact with the National School of Drama which enabled it to come into contact with the theatre of other regions of India. Parsi theatre was highly influential in the movements between the 1850s and 1930s. Theatre in the Tamil language is at least 2000 years old. Hindi Theatre dates back to the time of the Mughal dynasty. Many notable pioneers like Bharatendu Harishchandra, Jaishankar Prasad and others contributed towards its development. Assamese theatre prevails in the eastern state of Assam and has a rich past and valuable history. The origins of Manipuri theatre are traced to native primitive fertility-cults and ancestor-worship festivals. Marathi drama and theatre occupy an important position in Indian drama & theatre from the middle of 19th century. Kashmiri theatre has a long history and is an important aspect of the culture of Kashmir. Due to a certain downswing, sustained efforts are being made for the revival of this art form of Kashmir. Over a century old, the Gujarati theatre is an important aspect of the regional Indian theatre. There are various forms of Gujarati theatre that have been appreciated by audience of all ages and eras. Maithili language, spoken in the region of Mithila of North Bihar, boasts of the oldest theatrical traditions in India. English theatre added the contemporary dimension to Indian theatre and took the culture of its country on a world level. Rajasthani theatre as a popular theatre form was formed in the late nineteenth century. Sindhi Theatre has derived a lot from the folk theatre of Sindh. Telugu theatre has a rich past history that flourished in the present south-eastern state of Andhra Pradesh. Theatre in Himachal Pradesh is known in various names with a common purpose of sharing entertainment and retaining cult. The traditional folk theatre in Haryana dates back to the 16th century, which is a combination of music, dance, poetry . Nepali theatre exists in all the places where Nepali speaking people stay, i.e. in the north east India and also in parts of northern West Bengal. Dogri theatre is rich is tradition and heritage, and brings out the best of the Dogri language. This is organized in the southwestern state of Goa and on the coast of Maharashtra. Regional Theatre of North India is enriched with the hues of the theatre craft of North India. Religious folk theatre of north India mainly comprises of the Ramlila and Raslila that are performed in Nautanki stage. Urdu theatre takes an important part in the history of cultural development. Mizo Theatre was earlier enacted by Missionaries during the Christmas festivities. Gradually it developed, and by the end of World War II, it was popular in almost every village Regional Theatre of South India is pregnant with a rich past that flourished in the south eastern state of Andhra Pradesh. Regional Theatre in Western India is the cultural and ethno linguistic mouth piece of the western zone. Founded by Kali Charan Patnaik, Orissa theatre gradually became famous. Regional Theatre in Eastern India is imbued with the hues of cultural excess of the East Indian states. Regional theatre in Central India has undergone many transformations over the ages but has still managed to preserve its essence. |